2022 Chrysler Pacifica Best Buy Review

IT’S A BEST BUY BECAUSE:

The Pacifica offers satisfying acceleration, excellent road manners and ride quality, and an unmatched array of family-friendly features… all wrapped up in a stylish package.

BUT…

The standard Stow ‘n Go collapsible second-row seats give up fore-and-aft adjustability and a bit of cushiness in exchange for their fold-into-the-floor versatility.

WORTH NOTING:

For minivan shoppers who want a more affordable vehicle without as many frills, Chrysler offers entry-level versions of the Pacifica named Voyager.

WHAT IS IT?

The Pacifica is Chrysler’s minivan; it was introduced as a 2017 model that replaced the outgoing Chrysler Town and Country. Pacifica offers seating for seven or eight and is available in four trim levels: Touring, Touring L, Limited, and Pinnacle. The Pinnacle is a full-lux model that boasts lavish trim features such as quilted Nappa leather upholstery, a faux suede headliner, and leather-upholstered throw pillows for the second-row seats. “Regular” Pacificas are powered by a 287-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The Pacifica Hybrid uses a similar 3.6 V6 mated to a dual-motor electrically variable transmission and comes only with front-wheel drive.

Chrysler’s class-exclusive Stow ‘n Go second-row seats offer “Easy Tilt” access to the third row (even with an empty child seat installed) and feature Stow ‘n Go Assist, which powers the front seat forward at the touch of a button for easier floor-bin access. (The Stow ‘n Go second row is not available on Pacifica Hybrid.) The third-row seats fold to the floor, and a power-folding feature is available. Other available features include wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto capability, tri-pane panoramic sunroof, hands-free power liftgate and power-sliding side doors, a dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system, and a “FamCAM” wide-angle camera (which allows front-seaters to view the rear-seat area, including rear-facing child seats). Available safety features include forward collision warning and mitigation, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitor, and a 360-degree surround-view camera.

WHAT’S NEW?

After its significant update for 2021, the Pacifica sees minor revisions this year, including available Amazon Fire TV streaming functionality, an enhanced cabin air filtration system, and a new rear seat reminder feature.

FUEL ECONOMY

The Pacifica is EPA-rated at 19 mpg city/28 mpg highway/22 mpg combined with front-wheel drive, and 17/25/20 with AWD. The Pacifica Hybrid is rated at 30 mpg combined and 82 MPGe, with an estimated all-electric driving range of 32 miles. In Consumer Guide® testing, a Pacifica Limited model averaged 25.2 mpg in about 85-percent highway driving, and another Pacifica Limited averaged 19.3 mpg in a near-even split of city and highway driving. A Pacifica Hybrid Limited averaged 35.9 mpg in 75-percent highway driving and displayed all-electric driving ranges of around 35 miles (achieved in ideal temperatures in the 50-60-degree range).

VALUE IN CLASS

The Pacifica matches or beats most of its competition in terms of power, fuel economy, ride quality, and overall comfort. What cinches its Best Buy status are its exclusive Stow ‘n Go second-row seats and the outstanding fuel efficiency of its well-executed plug-in hybrid model, along with its available all-wheel drive and long list of thoughtful available convenience features.

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